Urdaneta, Philippines

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Urdaneta, Philippines

Region: Pangasinan

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Geographic Coordinates: 15.976100, 120.571000

Climate: Tropical climate with rainy season from May to October and dry season from November to April.

Population: 144577

Language: Tagalog

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Urdaneta is a beautiful city located in the province of Pangasinan, Philippines. This city is known as the Gateway to Northern Luzon and has a population of around 132, 000 people. It covers an area of 12, 100 hectares and can be easily accessed through major highways such as McArthur Highway and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX). The city was named after Captain Andres de Urdaneta who discovered the return route from Manila to Acapulco during his expedition in 1565. Urdaneta played a significant role in Philippine history as it served as a trading post during Spanish colonization.

Tourists can enjoy various outdoor activities at Balungao Hilltop Adventure like zipline, Wall climbing, And rappelling while enjoying panoramic views of nearby towns and cities including Baguio City on clear days. Urdaneta’s public market is another must-visit destination that offers local delicacies such as bagoong (shrimp paste), Tupig (sticky rice cake), And puto calasiao (rice cake). The market also sells fresh produce like fruits and vegetables harvested from nearby farms. Nature lovers can visit Buntot Palos Falls located in Barangay Catablan that features stunning waterfalls nestled amidst lush greenery.

Visitors can swim or take photos at the falls while enjoying nature’s beauty. Saint Dominic Cathedral built during Spanish occupation serves not only religious purposes but also cultural ones since it houses various religious artifacts dating back to colonial times. tourists can explore Museo de Urdaneta where they can learn about local history through exhibits showcasing artifacts from pre-colonial times up to the present. The museum also features a gallery of local artists’ works. Urdaneta has something for everyone; outdoor adventures for thrill-seekers, Cultural experiences for history buffs, Natural wonders for nature lovers, And museums for art enthusiasts.

It is definitely worth a visit for those who want to explore the northern part of the Philippines.

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1. Urdaneta City Museum
2. St. Dominic Cathedral
3. Urdaneta City Plaza
4. Our Lady of Manaoag Shrine
5. Balungao Hilltop Adventure Park
6. Sanctuario de San Jose Parish Church
7. Bagoong Factory
8. The Hundred Islands National Park

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• Agriculture (rice, corn, vegetables)
• Manufacturing (food processing, garments)
• Retail trade (malls, supermarkets)
• Services (hotels, restaurants)
• BPO industry with several call centers operating in the area

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Noteable History

1. The Arrival of Spanish Missionaries: In the 16th century, Spanish missionaries arrived in Urdaneta to spread Christianity among the indigenous people.
2. The Battle of Urdaneta: During World War II, Urdaneta was a strategic location for both Japanese and American forces. The Battle of Urdaneta was fought between these two armies in January 1945.
3. Jose Abad Santos: Jose Abad Santos was a Filipino lawyer and statesman who served as Chief Justice of the Philippines during World War II. He was captured by the Japanese army in 1942 and executed in Urdaneta.
4. San Jacinto de Polonia Church: This church is one of the oldest structures in Urdaneta, built by Spanish missionaries in the late 16th century.
5. Aguedo Agbayani: Aguedo Agbayani was a Filipino revolutionary who fought against Spanish colonial rule during the Philippine Revolution of 1896-1898.
6. Pangasinan State University-Urdaneta Campus: This university is one of the most notable educational institutions in Urdaneta, offering various undergraduate and graduate programs to students from all over Pangasinan province.
7. Annual Longganisa Festival: Every year, Urdaneta celebrates its famous longganisa (sausage) with a festival that includes parades, street dances, food stalls, and other cultural activities.
8. Mayor Amadeo Gregorio Perez Jr.: Mayor Perez served as mayor of Urdaneta for several terms from 1998 to 2016 and oversaw many infrastructure projects that improved the city’s economy and quality of life for residents.
9. National Shrine of Our Lady Rosary La Naval de Manila -Urbiztondo Branch : A shrine located at Barangay Bayaoas Urbiztondo which serves as pilgrimage site every October.
10. Urdaneta City Hall: The city hall is one of the most notable landmarks in Urdaneta, serving as the center of local government and administration for the city.

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Museums and Things To See

1. Urdaneta City Museum showcases the history and culture of Urdaneta City.
2. Our Lady of Manaoag Church is a famous pilgrimage site known for its miraculous image of the Virgin Mary.
3. Balungao Hilltop Adventure offers outdoor activities such as zipline, wall climbing, and rappelling.
4. Pangasinan Provincial Capitol Building is a neoclassical-style building that serves as the seat of government in Pangasinan province.
5. Lingayen Gulf War Memorial is a monument dedicated to the Filipino soldiers who fought during World War II in Lingayen Gulf.
6. Tondaligan Blue Beach Park is a popular beach destination with fine white sand and clear blue waters.
7. Hundred Islands National Park is an archipelago composed of 124 islands and islets with stunning rock formations, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life.
8. Bolo Beach Resort is another beautiful beach destination with powdery white sand and turquoise waters.
9. Dagupan City Museum showcases the history of Dagupan city through various artifacts.
10. Pangasinense Heritage Center exhibits traditional Pangasinense culture through interactive displays, dioramas, paintings etc.

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Cultural Events

1. Urdaneta City Fiesta – This is a week-long celebration held every January in honor of the city’s patron saint, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception.
2. Pistay Dayat – This festival is held every May to celebrate the bountiful harvest from the sea. It features a variety of activities such as boat races, seafood cooking competitions, and cultural presentations.
3. Agew na Urdaneta – This event is held every December to commemorate the founding anniversary of Urdaneta City.
4. Pista ng San Lorenzo Ruiz – This festival is celebrated every September in honor of San Lorenzo Ruiz, a Filipino saint who was born in Binondo, Manila but spent most of his life in Japan before being martyred for his faith.
5. Paskuhan sa Urdaneta – This Christmas celebration features various activities such as parades, caroling contests, and lantern-making competitions.
6. Sinanggiyaw Festival – A relatively new festival that aims to showcase the rich culture and heritage of Pangasinan province where Urdaneta City belongs to.
7. Bagoong Festival – Celebrated annually on October 21st which highlights one of their most popular products: bagoong or fermented fish sauce made from anchovies or shrimps mixed with salt and spices.

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Cuisine

• Inihaw Republic – a restaurant that specializes in grilled food such as pork belly, chicken, and seafood.
• Kanto Freestyle Breakfast – a breakfast place that serves Filipino favorites like tapsilog (marinated beef with garlic rice and egg), longsilog (sausage with garlic rice and egg), and tocilog (sweet cured pork with garlic rice and egg).
• Pares King – a restaurant that offers pares, a popular Filipino beef stew served with rice.
• Balikbayan Handaan Restaurant – a restaurant that serves traditional Filipino dishes such as adobo, sinigang, kare-kare, and lechon.
• Cafe Svetlana – a coffee shop that also offers sandwiches, pasta dishes, cakes, and pastries.
• Mang Inasal – a fast-food chain famous for its grilled chicken served with unlimited rice.
• Jollibee – another fast-food chain known for its fried chicken meals and sweet spaghetti.
• Chowking – a Chinese fast-food chain that serves noodles, dim sum dishes, fried rice meals, and siopao (steamed buns).
• Bulaluhan sa Urdaneta City Market- A local eatery located inside the market which is famous for serving bulalo soup or bone marrow broth soup made from beef shanks.

Note: This list is not exhaustive but includes some of the most popular ones in Urdaneta city according to online reviews by locals/tourists who have visited these places before.

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Parks and Recreation

1. Urdaneta City Park
2. Urdaneta Sports Complex
3. MacArthur Park
4. Sunflower Maze at Sta. Lucia Farm
5. BMX Track at the Urdaneta City Sports Complex
6. Palaris River Eco-Park
7. Koi Pond and Butterfly Garden at CB Mall
8. Golf Course at the Urdaneta City Golf and Country Club
9. Biking and Hiking Trails in nearby mountains such as Mount Balungao, Mount Zion, and Mount Amorong.
10. Fishing in nearby rivers such as Sinocalan River and Agno River

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Experience The Extraordinary.

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